Mental health group urges more funding for depression support

Mental health group Queensland Alliance says too many GPs think drugs are the only treatment for depression.

Executive director Jeff Cheverton says while drug treatment is important, more funding is needed for doctors to provide patients with emotional support and counselling.

Figures from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare show more than 11,000 antidepressants scripts are dispensed each day in Queensland.

Mr Cheverton says many GPs are unable to provide other services.

"We advocate strongly that people need someone to talk to, they need talking therapies - drug treatment is important, in some cases it can work, but it is not the whole picture," he said.

"That amount of scripts says to us some GPs perhaps are prescribing medicine because it's the only thing they're able to do - they're not going to be able to sit down for an hour and really find out where they're at.

"I believe what is required for people is being able to sit down and talk with someone who gets to know them and provide them with some emotional support and counselling - drug treatment may be a part of that but it shouldn't be the only part."